If you are not familiar with the show, it is classic farce. Farces depend on a “multi-doored” set and perfect timing. This production has both.
Director Adam Knight deserves credit for getting the very best out of his cast, crew and stage area. The stage size in the Cabaret at Millbrook is very intimate making chase scenes a challenge. The show is attractively mounted. The set was consistent with a posh hotel room in the 1930’s and costuming was authentic.
The actors had their timing just right. So much of the action on stage is frantic. We witness lots of chasses around the room (and bed), loud marital fights, hissy fits, and mistaken identities. In the middle of all of this confusion, the slow silent stare works very well. Actor Lawrence Lesher has his silent takes down to perfection; Jack Benny could take lessons.
The entire cast was outstanding. The acting showed great restraint; it stayed just on this side of being over the top while making it clear that we were watching a farce. Watch for these talented people: Matthew Krob, Lawrence Lesher, Stephen Guice, Ashley Klanac, Olivia Bosek, Brady Adair, Cara Maltz, and Susan Neuffer.
All of them were terrific, but Matthew Krob as Max, the rather awkward company factotum, impressed me. His physical and vocal talents were a delight. This may be one of the names to watch for in the future.
The costuming was excellent right down to footwear that made me jealous. My only complaint, and it is a biggie for me, was Susan Neuffer’s gown. Her character Julia was so elegantly performed that the dress was a distraction. It really was rather ugly especially when everything else was so tastefully done.
LEND ME A TENOR will run in the Cabaret at Millbrook through the 1st of July when it will be replaced by Dead Man’s Cell Phone. She Loves Me is on the Main Stage from June 28-July 8.
No comments:
Post a Comment